Indulge in the savory sensation of Denmark's culinary treasure - Flæskesteg! Translating to "crispy pork roast," this dish is a beloved staple of Danish cuisine, capturing the essence of comfort and tradition on every plate. Succulent pork belly, generously seasoned with salt and pepper, is slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a crisp, crackling skin that promises a symphony of textures and flavors with every bite. Typically served with caramelized potatoes, tangy red cabbage, and rich gravy, Flæskesteg is a festive centerpiece during holidays and gatherings, inviting friends and family to savor the heartwarming tastes of Danish gastronomy. Whether enjoyed as a Sunday supper or a festive feast, Flæskesteg embodies the essence of Danish culinary heritage, inviting all who taste it to experience the warmth and hospitality of Denmark's dining traditions.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 kg pork belly, skin-on
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 500g small potatoes, peeled
• 1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 100ml apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).

2- Score the skin of the pork belly in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut through the meat. This helps the skin to crisp up.

3- Rub the entire pork belly generously with salt and pepper, making sure to season both the meat and the skin.

4- Place the pork belly, skin side up, on a wire rack set over a baking tray. This allows air to circulate around the meat, ensuring even cooking and crispy crackling.

5- Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the skin starts to puff up and blister.

6- Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy and golden brown. If the skin is not crisping up, you can increase the temperature to 250°C (480°F) for the last 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

7- While the pork is roasting, prepare the potatoes. Heat the vegetable oil in a separate roasting pan and add the peeled potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

8- For the red cabbage, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shredded red cabbage and chopped apples, and sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened.

9- Stir in the sugar and apple cider vinegar, then cover and simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10- Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving into slices.

11- Serve the Flæskesteg slices with the crispy potatoes and braised red cabbage on the side. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Danish dish!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the Flæskesteg recipe:

Pork Belly (per 100g):

• Calories: 518 kcal
• Protein: 17.4 g
• Fat: 49.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g

benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Pork belly is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Healthy Fats: While it contains fats, pork belly also provides healthy unsaturated fats, which can support heart health when consumed in moderation.
• B Vitamins: Pork belly is a good source of B vitamins, including B12, which are important for energy metabolism and nerve function.

Potatoes (per 100g):

• Calories: 77 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17.5 g
• Fiber: 2.2 g
• Sugars: 0.8 g

benefits:

• Good Source of Energy: Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick and sustained source of energy for the body.
• Dietary Fiber: They are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals essential for overall health and immune function.

Red Cabbage (per 100g):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Sugars: 3.8 g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Red cabbage is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Anti-Inflammatory: The phytonutrients in red cabbage have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
• Digestive Health: Red cabbage is a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and may help prevent constipation.

Apples (per 100g):

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2.4 g
• Sugars: 10 g

benefits:

• Fiber-Rich: Apples are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Heart Health: Consuming apples regularly has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease due to their high levels of soluble fiber and polyphenols.

These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific ingredients used.